FACING ADVERSITY IS WHAT BROUGHT OUT THE GREATNESS OF EXCEPTIONAL MEN AND WOMEN
A major study found that all the exceptional men and women throughout history and modern times faced periods of adversity which brought out their greatness.
THE DAWNING LIGHT Volume 7, # 618 Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Spiritual Soup Kitchen Section # 85
Lovingly written by Chinmayan…to support you in tapping your deep inner strengths and talents to face and learn and come to power during tough times of challenge and adversity…
HAVING TO FACE ADVERSITY, CHALLENGES and OVERWHELMING SITUATIONS IS THE CATALYST THAT BROUGHT OUT THE GREATNESS OF EXCEPTIONAL MEN AND WOMEN
A major scientific study of the greatest contributors from history and modern times discovered that everyone of them faced overwhelming challenges in early life which forged them into the exceptional men and women that shaped our world.
I was greatly encouraged when I studied the results of this long scientific study conducted over many years by Harvard University that looked into the lives of people who had made or are making significant contributions to improving the world in some way for all of us.
“The significant problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.”
—-Albert Einstein
The goal of this study was to answer this question, “what were the factors in the childhoods and early life of these exceptional people that led to their becoming great contributors?”
Before this study, the scientists presumed the common factors would be stable families with the wealth and means to provide an ideal childhood followed by higher education would be found to be a reliable predictor of future greatness.
The study looked into the lives of great men and women of the past few hundred years where biographical information was available as well as those in our times in all fields.
They were shocked to discover that wealth and privilege, stable and supportive family life or even receiving the very best education were not primary factors at all.
In fact, the men and women who had those “advantages” rarely rose above the level of mediocre complacent lives, or did much to contribute to the world.
They lived “normal” lives in their fields but did not have the inner drive and passion to contribute that the great men and women who changed the world for the better did.
“It is a fact that if we actually did all that we are truly capable of …we would literally astound ourselves.”
—Thomas Edison
The scientists discovered that in every case those who became great had had to face difficult, often crushing, circumstances in their childhoods or early adulthood. They had been forced to deal with some experience or circumstance that required them to develop their own inner power, personal drive to succeed and mental and emotional toughness to survive and overcome the challenge.
Those who had an easy, secure and stable “ideal” childhood that was believed to be the necessary ingredient for greatness, rarely tapped their full potential… while those who had to face unremitting challenge did develop the inner strength, character, habits and drive to overcome every obstacle in their path through life.
This has proven to be true of men and women from all walks and fields of life…
From spiritual masters, such as Milarepa and many others, to scientists, writers, inventors, political leaders, reformers and everyone else who pushed the boundaries of human endeavor and civilization.
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith.”
—Franklin Delano Roosevelt
In fact, if you check the biographies of exceptional mean and women throughout all of history and modern times you will discover that everyone of them went through periods of severe adversity, trials and tribulations which required them to tap their full potential and develop their abilities to persevere through every obstacle over long periods of time to achieve their goals and did not allow adverse circumstances to crush them.
We all need to learn from how they used going through tough times to become the great men and women they had to become to do great things for the world.
You never know how strong or great you really are until you are in a situation that requires you to be strong and tap your greatness.
“Never pray for an easy life, “ as St Francis Told his disciples, “ but for a life that will drive you to God through adversity and challenge.”
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going!” As my grandmother advised, “Then you will find that the very thing you thought would crush you became the best thing that ever happened to you!”
Calligraphy by Chinmayan
Thank you for being here today!
We invite you to browse our library of published stories anytime you need inspiration to shift to a more positive and grateful attitude…here: thedawninglight.substack.com
If you liked this issue of our daily free version of “The Dawning Light” …
We believe you will LOVE our premium in depth, close up and personal stories that are reserved for our friends who become Inner Circle members…
Who get all of our life enhancing stories as soon as they are published AND lots of bonuses and rewards to thank you for your support.
To check out all the sweet bonuses and rewards that our beloved “Inner Circle Members of paid subscribers get, just click on the button below…
SPECIAL 20% OFF DISCOUNT on all new “Inner Circle Memberships” until December 22, 2023!
Help us grow and reach many more people who would love “The Dawning Light” by referring a friend or family member…and anytime someone you have referred or shared with becomes a free or paid subscriber, we will REWARD you…Let’s keep the circle of good going!
Besides all the goodies we are offering to you, your subscription directly helps us maintain our simple life on Still Mountain so we can keep the lights on, food on the table and stay focused on writing and publishing this labor of Love!
STILL MOUNTAIN MEDITATION/ INNER RESOURCE INSTITUTE
Center for Authentic Meditation Training and Practical Spirituality
Stay Tuned for free upcoming programs and trainings for our “Inner Circle Members” of paid supporters of “The Dawning Light”
Meanwhile, may this be one of the most wonderful and amazing days of your life!
Courtesy of tiny Buddha.com “I highly recommend the writings of Lori Deschene and her website that is a gold mine for anyone who is on the spiritual path of becoming conscious so you can better help others to awaken to who they really are. Check It out here, it is an awesome resource that you will love! the tiny Buddha.com